Graduate Credit FAQ
Learners in select PBS TeacherLine courses can choose from our national graduate credit providers. The first announcement in each course provides detailed information on how to register for graduate credit.
How do I determine if graduate credit is available for a particular course?
If a course is approved for graduate credit from a higher education institution, it will be noted in our online catalog. Simply click View Details under a course listing and look under 'Credits'.
How much graduate credit can I receive for each PBS TeacherLine course?
Check your course syllabus to see how many actual hours your PBS TeacherLine course will require of you. Then, use that number to determine how many graduate credits you can earn. You can also double check the amount in the course catalog and with your facilitator in the first week of class. The national graduate credit providers offer graduate credit based on the following hours of course time:
- 15-hour PBS TeacherLine course = 1 credit hour
- 30-hour PBS TeacherLine course = 2 credit hours
- 45-hour PBS TeacherLine course = 3 credit hours
Most institutions operate on an academic semester calendar and will award official graduate credit in the semester that most closely follows the end of a PBS TeacherLine course. However, for a nationally offered course, you can print your course completion certificate after your course ends and grades are posted by your facilitator.
Do I have to pay additional money for graduate credit?
Yes. In addition to your course fee, you will have to pay a graduate credit fee directly to the graduate credit provider. You must pay at the time you register for your graduate credits. You must wait for the course to begin before registering for credit.
How much do the credits cost?
The cost varies per institution. Please click on the links below for more information about credit costs.
Adams State College
http://www2.adams.edu/extended_studies/independent/tuition_rates/tuition_rates.php
Indiana University
https://info.educ.indiana.edu/DistanceEd/Application/aspx/FAQ.aspx
Madonna University
http://www.madonna.edu/pages/GraduateCredit.cfm
Northwest Nazarene University
http://www.nnu.edu/academics/continuing-studies/center-for-professional-development/education/course-descriptions/online-courses/pbs-teacherline/
Pricing can be found for additional graduate credit providers by following the ‘Pricing’ link on the course information page within the online course catalog.
What type of accreditation do the institutions have?
Adams State College has regional NCATE accreditation as well as national accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Indiana University has national NCATE accreditation. Learners can apply up to nine IU graduate credits from PBS TeacherLine courses towards a Masters Degree in Education at IU.
Madonna University has national NCATE accreditation.
Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Accreditation information can be found for additional graduate credit providers by following the 'Pricing' link on the course information page within the online catalog.
When can I register for graduate credit?
Anytime during the course – from the course start date to the course end date. Use the link on the left side of the course homepage. Please do not contact the institutions directly.
How much time do I have to register?
You will have until the course end date (the last day of your course) to register and pay for your credits with either provider.
Can I transfer credits into my graduate program?
You should check with your higher education institution to determine how or if they will accept transfers of graduate credits, especially toward degree programs. Typically, transferred credits are only able to be used for elective credits, but some institutions are more, or less, restrictive. Please check with your institution before enrolling in a PBS TeacherLine course.
Where/when can I get a transcript?
Please click on the links below for more information about obtaining a transcript:
Adams State College transcript information:
http://www2.adams.edu/records/trans_req/trans_req.php
Indiana University-Bloomington transcript information:
http://www.indiana.edu/%7Eregistra/Services/trnscrpt.html
Madonna University transcript information:
http://www.madonna.edu/pages/regtran.cfm
Northwest Nazarene University transcript information:
http://www.nnu.edu/academics/registrar/transcript/
Please allow two weeks after you course ends to request a transcript.
Will I receive a letter grade for a PBS TeacherLine course?
Yes, you will get a grade, regardless of whether or not you elect to pay for graduate credit. Our courses are graded on the following scale:
100-90 = Pass/graduate credit A
89-80 = Pass/graduate credit B
79-70 = Pass/graduate credit C
Anything below 70% receives an F from PBS TeacherLine.
Generally course elements are weighted (discussion board participation, assignments, online journal, and final project). Please check your course grade book or ask your facilitator for a specific breakdown for the grading in a course.
Please note: Expectations for TeacherLine courses are high. Deadlines for weekly course material are real and assignments are graded according to rubrics with point scales. Points will be deducted for work that is not turned in on time according to the weekly schedule. Please inform your facilitator beforehand if you will be away from your computer and s/he will advise you if the work can be made up or completed beforehand as an exception.